Three for the Ride: Klaatu, Audioslave, Beach Boys

Some days, I take the train to work. Other days, I drive. Either way, I listen to music on the way. I put the iPhone music player on shuffle, and off I go. Calling my collection eclectic would be an understatement. It's often an interesting mix. There are songs though, that I really wish the world could appreciate as much as I do. Songs that make me say, "Ooh, listen to THIS! Isn't it great?!"

Here's what I heard this morning:

Klaatu: "Calling Occupants of Interplanetary Craft"
This Canadian pop-prog-rock band, Klaatu, was formed in the early 70's and had several "hits" including this one that was released on 1976's 3:47 EST. It would eventually be covered by several other artists, including The Carpenters. In the mid seventies, there were many rumors that this band was the Beatles recording under a pseudonym. You can hear some of the similarities. That rumor helped fuel some of the band's success. That said, they are certainly worthy of recognition in their own right.



Audioslave: "Cochise"
What happens when Rage Against the Machine gets a new lead singer? Audioslave. Rick Rubin suggested former Rage' members, Tom Morello, Tim Commerford, and Brad Wilk, pursue Chris Cornell from Soundgarden as a new singer and Audioslave was born. Their debut album Audioslave was released in 2002 and this track was one of the singles. This album is a great hard rock record with all the energy rage delivered with the more-musical sensibilities Chris Cornell brings.



Beach Boys: "Good Vibrations"
Brian Wilson is the guy you see in the encyclopedia next to the entry for "tortured artist." His genius shows through on this song. I don't even know where to begin. When I first heard it, as a kid, it was a goofy AM radio hit that went in one ear and out the other. Now, I consider it a masterpiece. The songwriting, the arrangement, the production - they all come together perfectly. The audio dynamics- the swells, the under-stated vamps, the huge harmonies. I suggest, if you can, that you listen to this song in a good pair of headphones and listen to each track in the song. It's one of those great, magical songs where the sum is greater than the parts. Released as a single in 1966, "Good Vibrations" was recorded during the Pet Sounds sessions but wouldn't find its way onto an album until a year later on Smiley Smile



Until next time...

Three from the Train: Wang Chung, Rage Against the Machine, Beru Revue

Every morning that I decide to drag myself to the city, I have a little over an hour to listen to music on the train. I put the iPhone music player on shuffle, and off I go. Calling my collection eclectic would be an understatement. So it's often an interesting mix.

Here's what found its way into rotation today:

Wang Chung: "Devoted Friends"
I bought Points on the Curve when I heard "Dance Hall Days" back in 1984. This track is one of the strongest moments on the album. I love the dissonance and the resolve of each line and the sentiment of the song. We've all been there: "If it doesn't work out, we'll stay friends, no?" Most likely, no. You can never put the genie back in the bottle.



Rage Against the Machine: "Testify"
From 1999's Battle of Los Angeles, this song pretty much encapsulates all that Rage' is about. Driving, relentless, hard-core, politically pointed, metal rap. Love, love, love Tom Morello's guitar work. Check out Audioslave, too. Brad Wilk and Zack de la Rochais also make up one heck of a rhythm section.



Beru Revue: "Be Careful Tonight"
Beru and my band, Love Bomb, used to play on the same bill a lot in the late 80's and early 90's. They never had a major deal, but they should have. This has always been my favorite track of theirs. The version I heard this morning was from the Empire Rock Room, circa 1985. Here's a more recent video of "Be Careful Tonight." Greg Davis is featured on the guitar solo in this song. What an amazing player.


Until Next Time...